Plenty of Over-the-Mountain communities are beloved, fiercely defended by their residents. Beyond neighborhood-centric Facebook pages and elementary school stickers emblazoned on bumpers, passions for home run deep. Some might argue that nowhere else is this more true than in Homewood.

After 15 years in a Mountain Brook Tudor, the Scott family had a long list of things they wanted in their next house. Instead, that list became goals for a long-time-coming renovation of their beloved home.

You don't have to have a huge space to try your hand at growing vegetables or herbs—even a small pot will do. Then reap the benefits of your efforts by enjoying these simple, garden-fresh recipes. Hello summer!